Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday that happens during the transition from Fall to Winter.

Many religious traditions have harvest festivals that mark this time, but Thanksgiving is unique in that it has no official religious affiliation and can be adapted to fit into any culture or community.

Transitions are a time for us to look back and think of what we have accomplished, as well as look ahead at the work to come. The focus often is on the time spent together with others, the MEAL itself, but there is so much more to think about this weekend than simply that. In fact, sometimes this focus leads us to feel the stress of perfectionism, the stress of creating a social-media-worthy gathering, the stress of doing it right.

If this stress is feeling overwhelming, we can take a moment and remember the important 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique.

5: Recognize FIVE things you can see in this moment.
4: Feel FOUR things you are touching right now.
3: Pay attention to the sounds of THREE things around you.
2: Smell TWO smells without moving your body.
1: Become aware of ONE taste in your mouth.

Once you've become fully aware of your senses and in your body, your stress level is reduced, and you can be thankful for your life in this very moment. If it feels right, you can then bring your mind to what brought you to this moment, who or what supported you and continues to support you. You can think of what you are hopeful for the weekend, the season, or the year to come.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving that restores you and makes you feel ready to dive into winter. ☼